Slumping Bragg Hangs In There

Red Sox notes

CHICAGO — While the Red Sox have been playing themselves into contention, Darren Bragg has been slumping.

Bragg is 6-for- 42 (.143) with 10 walks on the trip. But the sixth hit nearly led the Red Sox to a victory Saturday night.

With the Red Sox trailing by two runs, Bragg lined an RBI double to right in the ninth inning. The game ended when Jeff Frye lined out, as the Red Sox lost, 4-3.

``It was great to get up there and produce in that situation, but we still lost,'' Bragg said. ``I've felt good before, but I was hitting the ball at people. That one just fell in.''

Despite his recent slump, Bragg (.256) has retained his spot in the lineup. He was batting leadoff and playing center field Saturday.

Manager Kevin Kennedy said he will not tinker with the lineup, so Bragg will continue to start in center field. Lee Tinsley could play center, but he is 25-for-124 (.202) in his past 56 games.

``At this point in the season, we're not going to make many moves,'' Kennedy said. ``[Bragg] has been playing good defense and he gets on base.''

Bragg, of Wolcott, came to the Red Sox in a July 30 trade with the Mariners. After going 0-for-9 his first two games, Bragg had a nine- game hitting streak and hit safely in 14 of 15. He was 21-for-59 (.356) during the 15 games.

But since his average hit .281 Aug. 14, Bragg is 13-for-77 (.169).

``As a hitter, you can't lose confidence in yourself,'' Bragg said. ``You can't keep making adjustments. I've been doing the same things.''

Pemberton impressive

Kennedy has been impressed with outfielder Rudy Pemberton, who was 2-for-4 with two RBI Friday. Pemberton, a right-handed hitter who didn't play Saturday, probably will be used in a platoon with the left-handed hitting Troy O'Leary in right field.

Pemberton, 26, came up through the Tigers organization and played 12 games for Detroit last season. He signed with the Rangers as a free agent, before coming to the Red Sox as the player to be named for lefthander Bryan Eversgerd.

With 27 homers and a .327 average for Triple A Pawtucket, Pemberton is a leading candidate for International League MVP.

Suppan returns to watch

Righthander Jeff Suppan rejoined the team, after spending the past week in Los Angeles. Suppan has bone spurs in his back and may need surgery in the off-season. He is out for the season. . . . Bill Hasel-